This is the sixth in our series looking at the draft needs of each team. Read about New York here, Ottawa here, Minneota here, Boston here and Toronto here.
Instead of a mock draft, I'm looking at what needs I think each team has based on last season's record and outcomes as well as who they lost in the expansion process. Using the draft eligibility list, I've identified players that might be able to fit each teams' specific needs. It’s less mock draft and more sharing insight on players who I think have the skills to be successful in this league.
I hope the Victoire staff bought some lottery tickets after the expansion free agent process because I think it's absolutely bonkers they were able to leave Erin Ambrose unprotected in their first group and still got to keep her. It sure feels like Montréal came away in the best shape of the Original Six after the expansion process in terms of the top end of their roster. That being said, they've got a lot of roster spots to fill and will be on the lookout for pieces to surround their core.
Forwards
I've mentioned her elsewhere, but I feel like Makenna Webster would be a good fit here. She's small and shifty, but not easily removed from the puck. She'd do well in Montréal's system and can be a really big spark plug.
Dartmouth's Laura Fuoco is 5'11" and she uses that size not just to win a spot on the ice and in front of the net, but along the boards. That longer reach and stride help in transition as well as on the forecheck, where she can really frustrate opponents.
A place I think they could really make an impact is on the 3rd and 4th line. The Frost showed how important being able to rely on the bottom half of the line chart in the playoffs is and I feel like the Victoire is really top heavy and doesn't necessarily fully trust those lower lines in close games. Minnesota State's Madison Meshuga would be a great late round pick up for this. The Mavericks play a really wear down, grinding style of game that has made Meshuga a good offensive defender. It also has given her good instincts on when to use her speed to take off as well as the ability to fluster and pester opponents. She never stops and I feel like her refusal to ever quit will impress coaches in this league.
They are in need of a center that can carry some of the burden and while Anna Segedi might end up higher on someone's depth chart, she could also be a really big addition further down the line chart here. She's a really good playmaker that probably needs to put the puck on net herself a bit more often. Good hands, great vision and very good skating and the ability to set up her linemates and read plays make her a really good option in this draft.
Defenders
With the blue liners they already have signed, I think Montréal should be looking for a defender or two that's more active on offense and is great with outlet passes and turning offense into defense. UMD's Hanna Baskin is really good at making quick decisions and not mucking around too much in her own zone. The way she flips the direction of play could be really good here. For later round picks who distribute well I like BU's Tamara Giaquinto and Northeastern's Lily Yovetich.
I could see them taking a defender in the first or second round and I'd imagine the focus will be on Rory Guilday or Nina Jobst-Smith. They're very different stylisticly, but both top-tier, reliable defenders. Guilday is big and strong and uses her size and reach similarly to what we've seen from Laila Edwards. She's not fully stay at home, but the offensive side of her game is definitely not at the forefront. But I'd imagine whoever takes her will be looking to get her more involved from the point. Jobst-Smith is just a smart, sturdy and reliable defender who doesn't often get beat. She's a great presence for on the ice and the bench and while she's not necessarily flashy, at the end of a game you'll think back and realize how often she was involved in big plays.
Goalies
As the free agent period moves on, things get a little clearer. Backup Elaine Chuli was signed by Toronto, leaving space for a goalie in Montréal.
Colgate's Hannah Murphy might be a good choice here in the third or fourth round. She's big but agile and forces opposing offenses to be nearly perfect in picking their spots. She's been in Canada's development program and it could be really tempting to the Victoire to let her learn behind Desbiens.
I could also see them handing out a couple of training camp invites and going with who stands out. Sandra Abstreiter is a very good and reliable number two, so putting a goalie or three through their paces and letting one of them earn it might be the way to go.
(Photo: PWHL)
